Fuel Up Smart: Score the Cheapest Gasoline and Diesel Prices Across Europe
Locating the Lowest Cost Gas Stations
Want to stretch your vacation budget further? Knowing where to gas up before you hit the road is key, as fuel prices vary drastically across Europe. Here's a lowdown on the best places for filling up on gasoline and diesel:
Heading South
Drive east to save big on gasoline. Austria offers a 22 cents cheaper gasoline, compared to Germany, and a 6 cents cheaper diesel. If Austria is just a transit stop, know that Italy is more expensive, but Slovenia, Croatia, or Hungary are cheaper. It might be worth the extra mile to fuel up there or only top up half your tank in Austria. Slovakia offers minor gasoline price differences, but its diesel is noticeably cheaper than in Austria, and way cheaper than in Germany.
Switzerland - a Fuel Faux Pas
While no specific data is available from the EU Commission, the Fuel Price Trends report by Touring Club Switzerland indicates Switzerland gas stations sell fuel at higher rates than those in Germany, Italy, or France. Thus, if you're heading to Italy from Switzerland, top up your diesel tank prior.
Westbound
France is on par with Germany when it comes to fuel prices, but you'll save a lot in Spain. Belgium offers cheaper gasoline (16 cents less), but diesel is 7 cents more expensive. Fuel in the Netherlands is 17 and 7 cents pricier than in Germany, while in Luxembourg, both super gasoline and diesel are cheaper. Luxembourg is the most cost-effective in the west, with 24 and 16 cent savings potential.
Eastbound
Hitting Poland or the Czech Republic is a smart move if you're a gasoline enthusiast; gasoline costs 35 cents less there compared to Germany. Diesel is also cheaper, with 18 and 22 cents savings. Traveling further north to the Baltic countries means cheaper fuel compared to Germany but pricier than Poland. Refill in the Czech Republic if you're headed to Hungary or Slovakia.
Northbound
Top up before reaching Denmark, as they charge 23 cents more for super gasoline and 14 cents more for diesel compared to Germany. But fear not; fuel becomes more affordable in Sweden, offering 28 cents cheaper super gasoline and 9 cents cheaper diesel than Germany.
Economy 101: Aim for Cost Confidence, Not Confusion
The difference in fuel prices is usually due to varying taxes and charges. Although oil prices influence all countries, the differences presented here are fairly consistent. However, prices can change based on the gas station, time of day, region, and whether you're on the highway or a country road.
Opting for a cheaper fuel spot and accepting some detours probably won't happen often, as these come with time and environmental costs. Even considering relatively low mileage costs of 30 cents per kilometer, the savings soon vanish.
If you dislike lining up at foreign fuel stations, refuel the evening before you set off—fuel is usually cheaper at night than in the morning.
Source: ntv.de, chl/dpa
- Fuel
- Gasoline price
- Diesel
- Travel
- Europe
Enrichment Insights:
- Countries with the lowest fuel prices in Europe include Bulgaria (gasoline: €1.19 per liter), Cyprus (gasoline: €1.33 per liter), Malta (gasoline: €1.34 per liter), and Romania (gasoline: €1.39 per liter).
- Albania offers diesel prices similar to its gasoline, costing approximately €1.762 per liter.
- Denmark boasts the highest gasoline prices (€1.94 per liter), while countries like Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy have considerably higher prices compared to Eastern European countries.
- Bulgaria is an ideal choice for lower fuel costs, while Denmark is among the pricier options. Always verify local fuel prices for up-to-date information.
- In the midst of planning a European vacation, understanding community policies such as employment policies and tax structures can be beneficial, as these factors significantly influence fuel prices, like gasoline and diesel, across the continent.
- As the industry of transportation plays a crucial role in Europe's lifestyle, it is essential to consider finance aspects, such as comparing fuel prices, when choosing routes for travel, especially when traversing different regions like Switzerland, Austria, Italy, or Poland.
- For those interested in home-and-garden matters, opting for an electric or hybrid automotive vehicle may be a practical lifestyle choice, providing potential savings on fuel costs, in contrast to traditional gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles, especially in countries with higher fuel prices like Denmark.
